It's hard to choose a favorite hotel from all of the New England gems, but the Woodstock Inn and Resort in Vermont is up there. Why? A beautiful historic hotel with a wide range of room styles, excellent food and architecture, a stunning fitness center, and proximity to a delightful town, plus mountain fun.

For romantic seclusion in a luxury resort and spa, Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine can't be beat. This is the #1 spot I recommend for couples who want to get away from it all and enjoy phenomenal food and a wonderful room at an oceanside getaway.

One of the most memorable hotels I've ever experience is the historic Hotel Viking in the storied seaport town of Newport, Rhode Island. Close to the mansions of the Gilded Age at the Cliff Walk, this luxury hotel models many of its suites after that ornate architecture.

The "Grande Dame" of the vacation paradise island, Martha's Vineyard, is the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown, MA. Enjoy water views and great food.

Picture yourself overlooking crashing waves along ocean cliffs -- while you swim in a tranquil pool -- and you've got Cliff House, Maine! This resort would likely be higher on the list, but as you'll see from my review, here, I had a bit of a unique style of visit for this one.

Hotels that are at the heart of a bustling town -- but still feel cozy and secluded -- are my favorite, and The Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel's on Cape Cod fits the bill! Get a dog-friendly Bed and Breakfast experience, all within steps of the shopping, art, nightlife, and beaches of P-Town.

Talk about history and unique decor... Browse these photos of all the curios at The Red Lion Inn in Western Massachusetts and let your jaw drop. The property is also right in the cute Norman Rockwell town of Stockbridge, and within a short drive of excellent hiking, plus music at Tanglewood. Just know that rooms vary widely by style and ameneties, so discuss options to find the best fit for what you seek.

Want a family resort that's a kids' paradise -- and potentially parents' paradise, too, since there's childcare? Smugglers' Notch in northern Vermont is great all year round -- from skiing in winter, to swimming in summer. Click through to see photos of the giant indoor play area, spacious condo rentals, festivals, lakes, and more.

I found Portsmouth, New Hampshire (and the surrounding towns of Kittery, etc.) to be an excellent weekend getaway from Boston. The Sheraton Harborside was comfortable, and right in the heart of town.

My top suggestion for a great getaway trip from Boston is Portland, Maine -- especially if you love food! I've stayed in two different great hotels there: One being the glorious and luxurious Press Hotel in the center of town (loved it), and the other being the Holiday Inn farther outside of town, which was the Holiday Inn by the Bay, which was surprisingly great.

I find Northampton, MA (and nearby Amherst) to be an ideal getaway destination from Boston, since it's just two hours away, and packed with fun activities and lovely nature. The Hotel Northampton is right in the center of it all, and has a cozy restaurant, too.

If you're a fan of gloriously repurposed historic architecture, you'll adore the Hotel on North in Pittsfiled, MA in the heart of the Berkshires. This spot is converted from a 19th century department store, and every corner has another brilliant detail, nodding to the past.

If you're looking for a quirky choice, the Inn at Mystic in Mystic, CT provides nautical decor, and in the case of our room, a mirrored jacuzzi! It's near the town (Mystic Pizza!), has a restaurant, and is close to the maritime ship museum, too.